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What is the best Steam Deck case? A quality gaming handheld case will keep your precious portable safe while traveling, and protect it from scratches and drops in daily life. Valve does include an official carrying case with the Steam Deck, but this won't necessarily cover all of your needs. That's why we've tried and tested more options, whether you want a carrying case to fit your accessories or a low-profile case that wraps snugly around your device at all times. Several of these cases also work for other handhelds, so if you've just bought an Xbox Ally X, this list is for you too. We've tested the materials, protection, durability, price, and storage capacity when thinking about which Steam Deck case is worth a recommendation, and based on those factors, we think the best Steam Deck case overall is the Jsaux Carrying Case. If you want a compact shell, though, check out the Spigen Rugged Armour. There are many more options for different uses in the list below, and if you need some help choosing or have any questions about Steam Deck cases, be sure to check out the How to choose and FAQ sections of this guide. How to choose the best Steam Deck case Whether you're new to Steam Deck or you've been using it since the beginning, a case can add flair and fun to your Deck. Most importantly, it will keep it safe in transport, whether you're chucking it in a bag, or trying to keep it safe from accidental drops at home. That's why it's a good idea to think about how, when, and where you use your Steam Deck most often. Some cases hug the console tightly, wrapping around for a secure fit, but others provide storage for extra travel items. If you mainly play on the go, get something that can fit your charger and cards to keep everything together. If you're mainly playing around the house, a slim, close-fitting bit of extra protection, such as you'll get from a skin and screen protector or Steam Deck shell, might be all you need. In terms of budget, there are some real bargain Steam Deck cases under $20/£20 on sites like Amazon. But, as ever, you do get what you pay for, with more premium options generally offering better build quality and more protection. Steam Deck case frequently asked questions (FAQs) Should you put a case on your Steam Deck? Valve gives you a carrying case with the Steam Deck LCD and OLED. While great to have, it's quite basic and doesn't leave much room for accessories. It's also more bulky than a wraparound case and offers little in the way of personality. A Steam Deck case more directly focused on your needs could save you from carrying around excess bulk, or could ensure you're never caught short without a charger or supply of microSD cards, all while keeping what remains the best gaming handheld safely protected. Does the Steam Deck come with a case? Yes, every type of Steam Deck comes with a carry case, from the 64GB LCD model, through to the 1TB OLED. Except for the 1TB OLED, they all come with a bulky semi-ridged shell case. While a little large, it fits the Deck snugly and keeps it well protected. The 1TB OLED comes with a slimmer shell case that will be easier to transport and offers no less protection for your device, but has even less room for extras. Despite the decent quality of the bundled cases, some gamers will still benefit from buying another case. This might be because they want to have extra pockets for internal storage, they use the bundled case for home storage and want a separate one specifically for travel, or simply because they want something that looks a little flashier. What is the best case for the Steam Deck? For the money, the Jsaux Carrying Case is the most versatile option. It gives you enough room inside for a power bank, power and charging cables, earbuds, and extra memory cards. It's not the most exciting design, granted, but if you want value for money and a roomy interior, it's the best option on this list for most gamers. For more ways to make the most of your Steam Deck or other gaming handheld, why not check out our best Steam Deck accessories guide that includes options for docks, screen protectors, microSD cards, and more.
